AND, INDEED, there came unto Abraham Our [heavenly] messengers, bearing a glad tiding. They bade him peace; [and] he answered, "[And upon you be] peace!" - and made haste to place before them a roasted calf. 69 But when he saw that they made no move to eat, he found this strange and became afraid of them. They said, "Do not be afraid, for we have been sent to the people of Lot." 70 And his wife, standing by laughed when We gave her good tidings (of the birth) of Isaac, and, after Isaac, of Jacob. 71 She replied: 'Alas for me! Shall I bear (a child) when I am old woman and my husband is advanced in years? This is indeed a strange thing' 72 They said, "Are you astonished at God's command? May the mercy of God and His blessings be upon you, O people of this house. Surely, He is praiseworthy and glorious." 73 And when the wonderment departed from Abraham and the glad tidings reached him, he pleaded with Us for the nation of Lot; 74 Surely Abraham was forbearing, tenderhearted and oft-turning to Allah. 75 [But God's messengers replied:] "O Abraham! Desist from this [pleading]! Behold, thy Sustainer's judgment has already gone forth: and verily, there shall fall upon them a chastisement which none can avert!" 76 And when Our apostles came to Lut, he was grieved for them, and he lacked strength to protect them, and said: This is a hard day. 77 And his people came hastening to him, and before [this] they had been doing evil deeds. He said, "O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you a man of reason?" 78 They said, "You have already known that we have not concerning your daughters any claim, and indeed, you know what we want." 79 He said, 'O would that I had power against you, or might take refuge in a strong pillar!' 80 They (the angels) said: 'Lot, we are the Messengers of your Lord, they shall not touch you. Depart with your family in the watch of the night and let none of you turn round, except your wife. She shall be struck by that which strikes them. Their appointed time is the morning. Is it not that the morning is near' 81 So when Our commandment came to pass We overthrew (that township) and rained upon it stones of clay, one after another, 82 That are marked, in the custody your Lord; and those stones are not at all far from the unjust! 83